Compositions for reducing methane emissions, methods for improving metabolic efficiency in ruminants, and administration of methane production inhibitors.

Abstract

To provide a feed supplement that improves metabolic efficiency in ruminants. A composition for reducing methane emissions, the composition comprising an organohalogen compound and an organosulfur compound.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for reducing methane emissions and / or a composition for inhibiting one or more methane-producing organisms (i.e., methane sources). The present invention also relates to a method for improving the metabolic efficiency of ruminants and a method for administering a methane source inhibitor to ruminants, particularly agricultural ruminants.

Background Art

[0002] Background of the Invention Ruminants consume feed containing carbon and nitrogen, which are converted into various substances, for example, carbon-rich lipids, fats, fatty acids, and carbohydrates, and nitrogen-rich proteins, nucleic acids, amino acids, and nucleotides.

[0003] The feed converted into these materials contributes to animal growth and is a major component of various valuable animal products.

[0004] However, ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and goats, are inefficient users of carbon and nitrogen. Ruminant methane production from carbon is an energy loss and accounts for 2 - 12% of the total energy intake from feed.

[0005] Furthermore, ruminants may excrete more than 50% of their nitrogen from feed, which is mainly in the form of urinary nitrogen and fecal nitrogen.

[0006] The loss of carbon and nitrogen from ruminants is a loss of valuable animal growth and has a significant environmental impact, for example, releasing methane and nitrous oxide, which are strong greenhouse gases, into the atmosphere and contributing to nitrogen leaching in the soil. To improve animal growth and reduce carbon and nitrogen emissions to the environment, feed supplements administered to ruminants are costly and difficult to administer in an optimal and economic manner.

[0007] One known method for reducing methane production in ruminants is by using seaweed. However, feeding animals large amounts of seaweed can have potential risk factors. One risk factor is a decrease in feed intake and performance. Seaweed provided at relatively high levels in the diet leads to reduced dry matter intake in beef (Roque et al., 2021) and dairy cows (Roque et al., 2019, Stefenoni et al., 2021, Muizelaar et al., 2021). Dairy cows are typically observed to reject or not select seaweed when it is mixed into their fresh feed, indicating the poor palatability of seaweed (Muizelaar et al., 2021). Relatively low feed intake can also lead to relatively low performance, as evidenced by reduced milk yield when dairy cows are given high levels of seaweed (Roque et al., 2019, Stefenoni et al., 2021, Muizelaar et al., 2021). Seaweed is also known to contain high levels of iodine (Makkar et al., 2016), and its transfer to livestock products has been studied. Providing beef cattle with seaweed (Asparagopsis Taxiformis) at 0.25% and 0.5% content levels leads to a daily iodine intake of 106–225 mg / day (Roque et al., 2021). This exceeds the recommended daily iodine intake level of approximately 5 mg / day based on 0.5 mg / kg DMI (NRC, 2006) and the 10 kg DMI intake in this study. Iodine transfer to milk is a greater concern. According to Lean et al. (2021), providing Asparagopsis Taxiformis at 0.5% in food increases iodine levels fivefold to 3 mg / L. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] There is a clear need to develop improved compositions to reduce methane emissions, and in particular, there is a clear need for such compositions to reduce the aforementioned risk factors and / or to have improved palatability compared to seaweed.

[0009] Furthermore, there is a clear need to improve the metabolic efficiency of ruminants, thereby reducing methane emissions and nitrogen leaching into the environment, as well as a clear need to improve animal growth levels and increase the amount of valuable animal products.

[0010] This invention addresses this need by providing a feed supplement that improves the metabolic efficiency of ruminants. This feed supplement reduces the emission of methane and nitrogen into the environment, converts the energy that would otherwise have been used to replace the emitted methane and leached nitrogen into valuable animal products, and thus improves the metabolic efficiency of ruminants.

[0011] There is a clear need to improve the administration of dietary supplements to ruminants, thereby improving animal growth and reducing carbon and nitrogen loss to the environment.

[0012] The present invention addresses this by providing a composition and a methane production inhibitor feed supplement administration, which optimally and economically reduces methane emissions and nitrogen leaching, and converts the energy that would otherwise have been used in place of emitted methane and leached nitrogen into valuable animal products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to the present invention, in a first embodiment, a composition for reducing methane emissions is provided, which contains an organic halogen compound and an organic sulfur compound. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the % methane inhibition of various compositions according to the present invention after incubation with Methanococcus maripaludis cultures. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows the % methane inhibition of various compositions according to the present invention after incubation with Methanococcus maripaludis cultures. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] In some embodiments, the organic halogen compound is an organic bromine compound. In a preferred embodiment, the organic halogen compound is bromoform (CHBr3).

[0016] In some embodiments, the organosulfur compound is derived from a species of the plant Allium. In some embodiments, the organosulfur compound is allicin (C6H10S2O), diallyl sulfide (C6H10S), diallyl disulfide (C6H10S2), and allyl mercaptan (C3H6S). In a preferred embodiment, the organosulfur compound is allicin.

[0017] In some embodiments, the ratio of the organic halogen compound to the organic sulfur compound is 1:10 to 1:3500, more preferably 1:1000 to 1:2500.

[0018] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a polyphenol compound. In some embodiments, the polyphenol compound contains or is a bioflavonoid. In some embodiments, the polyphenol compound comprises naringin, neohesperidin, or a combination thereof.

[0019] In some embodiments, the composition is used to inhibit one or more methane sources. In some embodiments, the composition is used to improve the metabolic efficiency of animals, and more particularly, to improve the metabolic efficiency of ruminants, such as cattle, goats, or sheep.

[0020] The inventors of this invention have found that when an organic halogen compound (e.g., bromoform) is combined with an organic sulfur compound (e.g., allicin), the composition of the present invention exhibits a high percentage inhibition of methane sources.

[0021] In particular, organic halogen compounds and organic sulfur compounds have been shown to act synergistically to reduce methane production. This synergistic combination results in an effect greater than the sum of the individual elements. The inventors of the present invention have further found that a composition containing an organic halogen compound (e.g., bromoform) and a powder mixture containing an organic sulfur and polyphenol compound (e.g., NXRH214 powder) also provides effective inhibition of the methane source (methane production inhibition).

[0022] Also, according to the present invention, in a second aspect, it is an animal feed containing the composition of the present invention, and other aspects are described separately herein as described.

[0023] Also, according to the present invention, in a third aspect, it is the use of the composition of the present invention or the animal feed of the present invention for reducing methane emissions and / or for inhibiting the methane source and / or for improving the metabolic efficiency of animals.

[0024] Also, according to the present invention, in a fourth aspect, it is a method for reducing methane emissions, which method includes administering the composition of the present invention or the animal feed to an animal, and more particularly includes administering it to a ruminant. In some examples, the ruminant is a cow, goat or sheep.

[0025] Also, according to the present invention, in a fifth aspect, it is a method for inhibiting one or more methane sources, which method includes administering the composition of the present invention or the animal feed to an animal, and more particularly includes administering it to a ruminant. In some examples, the ruminant is a cow, goat or sheep.

[0026] Also, according to the present invention, in a sixth aspect, it is a method for improving the metabolic efficiency of an animal, which method includes administering the composition of the present invention or the animal feed to an animal, and more particularly includes administering it to a ruminant. In some examples, the ruminant is a cow, goat or sheep.

[0027] Also disclosed herein are compositions for inhibiting one or more methane sources, which comprise organic halogen compounds and organic sulfur compounds. Other organic halogen compounds and organic sulfur compounds are described herein.

[0028] Furthermore, this disclosure discloses compositions for improving the metabolic efficiency of animals, which include organic halogen compounds and organic sulfur compounds. Other organic halogen compounds and organic sulfur compounds are described in this disclosure.

[0029] Also disclosed herein is a method for reducing nitrogen excretion and / or methane emissions and / or increasing nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich substances in ruminants, comprising the step of administering to the ruminants an effective amount of at least one methane source inhibitor. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to the ruminants any composition of the herein.

[0030] In one embodiment, the methane source inhibitor is selected from the group comprising organic halogen compounds, marine macroalgae rich in organic halogen compounds, organic sulfur compounds, organic sulfur-rich plants, polyphenol compounds, and polyphenol-rich plants.

[0031] In one embodiment, the organic halogen compound is selected from CH3Cl, CH3Br, CH3I, CH2Cl2, CH2Br2, CH2I2, CHCl3, CHBr3, CHI3, CCl4, CBr4, CH2ClBr, CH2ClI, CH2BrI, CHBr2Cl, CHBrI2, CHBrClI, CHBr2I, CHBrCl2, CH3CH2Br, CH3CH2I, CH3CH2CH2I, CH3(CH2)3I, CH3(CH2)4Br, CH3(CH2)4I, (CH3)2CHI, CH3CH2CH(CH3)I, (CH3)2CHCH2I, BrCH2CH2Br, ClCH=CCl2, and CH3CH2CH2CH2I.

[0032] In one embodiment, the organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae are selected from Asparagopsis armata, Asparagopsis taxiformis, species of the genus Dictyota, species of the genus Oedogonium, species of the genus Ulva, and Cladophora patentiramea.

[0033] In one embodiment, the organosulfur compound is selected from the group comprising allicin (C6H10S2O), diallyl sulfide (C6H10S), diallyl disulfide (C6H10S2), and allyl mercaptan (C3H6S). In one embodiment, the organic sulfur-rich plant is a species of the genus Allium, which is selected from the group including Allium sativum, Allium ampelopraum, and Allium cepa.

[0034] In one embodiment, the polyphenol compound is selected from the group comprising flavonoids, bioflavonoids, and non-bioflavonoids. At least one polyphenol compound is, for example, bioflavonoids, anthoxanthin, flavone, flavonol, flavanone, flavanonol, flavan, anthocyanidin, isoflavan, neoflavan, anthoxanthin, isoflavone, proanthocyanidin, phenolic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, coumarin, stilbenoid, anthraquinone, lignan, lignin, tannin, polyphenol protein, catechin, rutin, acacetin, genistein, kaempferol, gallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, etc. It may contain at least one of the following: ercetin, allocatechin, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, kaempferol, quercetin, naringin, neohesperidin, eriocitrin, isonaringin, naringenin, hesperidin, leuforin, diosmin, didymin, hesperetin, poncillin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, punicalagin, and punicalin.

[0035] In one embodiment, polyphenol-rich plants are selected from the group including species of the genera Allium, Brassica, Camellia, Capsicum, Citrus, Citrus aurantium, Cucumis, Malus, Musa, Phaseolus, Prunus, Punica, Pyrus, Solanum, and Vaccinium.

[0036] In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for reducing nitrogen and carbon excretion in ruminants and increasing nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich substances that are valuable, the method comprising administering to the animals a feed supplement or feed described in the present disclosure.

[0037] Further disclosed herein are methods for reducing nitrogen excretion and / or methane emissions and / or increasing nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich substances in ruminants, comprising administering at least one methane-producing inhibitor in a stepwise manner to the ruminants in an effective amount. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering the ruminants with the compositions described herein.

[0038] In one embodiment, the stepwise administration comprises at least one dose of a methane-producing inhibitor, selected from the group comprising 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, and 10% of the weight of the ruminant animal.

[0039] In one embodiment, the stepwise administration comprises at least one dose of a methane-producing inhibitor, selected from the group comprising 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, and 10% of the weight of the ruminant animal's feed.

[0040] In one embodiment, the stepwise administration has at least one interval between sequential doses, which is selected from the group including 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months.

[0041] Detailed description of the invention The present invention provides a composition for reducing methane emissions, comprising an organic halogen compound and an organic sulfur compound. This composition can also be used to inhibit one or more methane sources. Any “composition” referred to in this disclosure may also be referred to as “animal feed supplement.”

[0042] In some embodiments, one or more methane sources have the genera: Methanobacterium, Methanosarcina, Methanobrevibacter, Methanosarcina, Methanoculleus, Methanosphaera, Methanocorpusculum, Methanofollis, Methanogenium, Methanomicrobium, Methanopyrus, Methanoregula, Methanasaeta, Methanthermobacter, or Methanococcus. In some embodiments, one or more methane sources are selected from Methanobacterium formicicum, Methanobacterium bryantii, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, Methanobrevibacter millerae, Methanobrevibacter olleyae, Methanomicrobium mobile, Methanoculleus olentangyi, Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanobrevibacter boviskoreani, Methanobacterium beijingense, Methanoculleus marisnigri, Methanoculleus bourgensis, Methanosarcina mazei, Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii, Methanobrevibacter thaueri, Methanobrevibacter smithii, Methanosphaera stadtmanae, Methanobrevibacter woesei, and Methanobrevibacter wolinii. In some cases, one or more methane sources are Methanococcus maripaudis.

[0043] The present invention will be described below in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention and with reference to the appended descriptions. However, it should be understood that the limitation to preferred embodiments of the invention is solely for the purpose of facilitating the discussion of the invention, and it is assumed that those skilled in the art will be able to come up with various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0044] - Organic halogen compounds The composition of the present invention comprises an organic halogen compound (i.e., at least one organic halogen compound).

[0045] Organic halogen compounds are organic compounds containing halogens. In some embodiments, the organic halogen compound is a C1-C6 alkyl halogen compound. In some embodiments, the organic halogen compound includes chlorine, bromine, iodine, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the organic halogen compound is CH3Cl, CH3Br, CH3I, CH2Cl2, CH2Br2, CH2I2, CHCl3, CHBr3, CHI3, CCl4, CBr4, CH2ClBr, CH2ClI, CH2BrI, CHBr2Cl, CHBrI2, CHBrClI, CHBr2I, CHBrCl2, CH3CH2Br, CH3CH2I, CH3CH2CH2I, CH3(CH2)3I, CH3(CH2)4Br, CH3(CH2)4I, (CH3)2CHI, CH3CH2CH(CH3)I, (CH3)2CHCH2I, BrCH2CH2Br, ClCH=CCl2, and CH3CH2CH2CH2I. In some embodiments, the organic halogen compound is a trihalomethane. In some embodiments, the organic halogen compound is an organic bromine compound, and more preferably, the organic halogen compound is bromoform (CHBr3).

[0046] The biosource of organic halogen compounds is organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae. For example, organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae include at least one species selected from the group consisting of Asparagopsis armata, Asparagopsis taxiformis, species of the genus Dictyota, species of the genus Oedogonium, species of the genus Ulva, and Cladophora patentiramea. Therefore, in some embodiments, the organic halogen compounds are derived from organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae, selected from the group consisting of, for example, Asparagopsis armata, Asparagopsis taxiformis, species of the genus Dictyota, species of the genus Oedogonium, species of the genus Ulva, and Cladophora patentiramea.

[0047] In other embodiments, organic halogen compounds are produced by bacteria, fungi, and cyanobacteria. For example, a bacterium could be one species selected from the group consisting of Streptomyces and Zobellia galactanivorans. For example, a fungus could be one species selected from the group consisting of Pyricularia oryzae, Curvularia inaequalis, Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, and Embellisia didymospora. For example, a cyanobacterium could be one species selected from the group consisting of Trichodesmium erythraeum, Synechococcus, and Acaryochloris marina.

[0048] In other embodiments, the organic halogen is a synthetic compound, i.e., the organic halogen is chemically synthesized. In other embodiments, the organic halogen is produced by recombinant yeast.

[0049] In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic halogen compound in the composition is greater than 100 nM, greater than 110 nM, greater than 120 nM, greater than 130 nM, greater than 140 nM, or greater than 150 nM. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic halogen compound in the composition is less than 10,000 nM, less than 1,000 nM, less than 500 nM, less than 200 nM, less than 175 nM, less than 160 nM, less than 150 nM, less than 140 nM, or less than 130 nM. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic halogen compound in the composition is between 100 nM and 10,000 nM, between 100 nM and 1,000 nM, between 100 nM and 500 nM, between 100 nM and 300 nM, between 100 nM and 200 nM, or between 110 nM and 175 nM. In some embodiments, the organic halogen compound is an organic bromine compound, preferably bromoform.

[0050] - Organic sulfur compounds The composition of the present invention comprises an organosulfur compound (i.e., at least one organosulfur compound).

[0051] Organic sulfur compounds are organic compounds containing sulfur. In certain embodiments, each organic sulfur compound may be independently selected from thioethers, thioesters, thioacetals, thiols, disulfides, polysulfides, sulfoxides, sulfones, thiosulfinates, sulfimides, sulfoximids, sulfondiimines, thioketones, thioaldehydes, sulfines, sulfen, thiocarboxylates (including dithiocarboxylates), sulfonic acids, sulfinic acids, sulfenic acids, sulfonic acid esters, sulfinic acid esters, sulfenic acid esters, sulfonic acid amides, sulfinic acid amides, sulfenic acid amides, sulfonium compounds, oxosulfonium compounds, sulfonium ylides, oxosulfonium ylides, thiocarbonyl ylides, sulfurans, and persulfurans. In certain embodiments, each organic sulfur compound may be independently selected from thioesters, sulfoxides, thioethers, disulfides, polysulfides (including trisulfides), and thiols. In certain embodiments, each organosulfur compound is independently selected from thioesters, sulfoxides, thioethers, disulfides, and polysulfides (including trisulfides). In certain embodiments, each organosulfur compound is independently selected from disulfides and polysulfides (including trisulfides). In certain embodiments, each organosulfur compound is a disulfide.

[0052] In some embodiments, the organosulfur compound is derived from the plant Allium species. In some embodiments, the organosulfur compound is a disulfide compound, and more particularly, a diallyl disulfide compound.

[0053] In certain embodiments, each organosulfur compound is independently selected from allicin, allylpropyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, s-allyl cysteine, vinyldithiine (3-vinyl-4H-1,2-dithiine and 2-vinyl-4H-1,3-dithiine), and diallyl disulfide.

[0054] In some embodiments, the organosulfur compound is selected from allicin (C6H10S2O), diallyl sulfide (C6H10S), diallyl disulfide (C6H10OS2), and allyl mercaptan (C3H6S). In certain embodiments, the organosulfur compound is allicin, or contains allicin.

[0055] Allicin is an organosulfur compound with the chemical formula C6H10S2, and its structure is shown below. [ka]

[0056] Organic sulfur compounds such as allicin can be obtained, for example, from garlic or other Allium species. For example, organic sulfur compounds (e.g., allicin) can be obtained from extracts of Allium species such as garlic (Allium sativum). The term "extract" includes aqueous extracts, non-aqueous extracts, alcoholic extracts, concentrates, oils, macerations, powders, granules, and combinations of two or more of these. For example, organic sulfur compounds (e.g., allicin) can be obtained from raw garlic, dried garlic, or combinations thereof. Organic sulfur compounds (e.g., allicin) may be derived, for example, from any subspecies and varieties of Allium currently known or to be discovered later, such as garlic (Allium sativum), Allium ursinum, Allium fistulosum, Allium cepa, and Allium tricoccum. For example, the organic sulfur compound (e.g., allicin) may be independently derived from the subspecies of garlic Ophioscorodon (hardneck garlic) and sativum (softneck garlic). For example, the organic sulfur compound (e.g., allicin) may be independently derived from porcelain garlic, Rocambole garlic, purple stripe garlic, marbled purple stripe garlic, glazed purple stripe garlic, artichoke garlic, silverskin garlic, asiatic garlic, turban garlic, and Creole garlic. In particular, the organic sulfur compound (e.g., allicin) may be obtained from Allium sativum.

[0057] Allium species, which can be the source of organosulfur compounds (e.g., allicin), may be treated or processed, for example. For example, allium seeds may be “aged” or “black” (e.g., aged garlic or black garlic) and may be obtained by storing the allium seeds under controlled conditions and heating them for several days or weeks, for example, under specific temperatures, humidity, and solvents, to blacken the bulbs after undergoing a Maillard reaction or browning reaction. For example, allium may be “dried” or “dehydrated” and may be obtained by heating fresh or unaged garlic to a temperature of 30°C to 120°C to achieve a moisture content of about 3–10% without converting or transforming its components into different compounds. For example, allium may be “fresh” or “unaged” (e.g., fresh garlic or unaged garlic) and may be obtained without undergoing specific treatment or processing to intentionally convert or transform its components into different compounds. Fresh or unripe allium may be treated or processed to remove odor (deodorization) (e.g., deodorized garlic extract). Generally, an encapsulation or coating process may be applied to mask or reduce the odor. Alternatively or additionally, flavor masking agents, such as green tea, parsley, basil, spinach, etc., may be added to the composition to mask or reduce the odor.

[0058] Organic sulfur compounds (e.g., allicin) may or may not be isolated and / or purified before being added to the compositions described herein. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the compositions described herein may contain fresh garlic, dried garlic, and / or garlic extracts. In other embodiments, the organic sulfur compounds (e.g., allicin) are chemically synthesized. In certain embodiments, allicin may be obtained by processing a natural source of alliinase to release it, contacting this processed natural source of alliinase with alliin, thereby enzymatically converting alliin to allicin, and optionally extracting the allicin. Suitable methods are further described, for example, in WO03 / 004668, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] In other embodiments, the organosulfur compound, such as allicin, may be a synthetic product, that is, chemically synthesized.

[0060] In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic sulfur compound in the composition is greater than 10 μM, or greater than 100 μM, or greater than 150 μM, or greater than 175 μM, or greater than 200 μM, or greater than 225 μM, or greater than 250 μM, or greater than 275 μM. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic sulfur compound in the composition is less than 350 μM, or less than 325 μM, or less than 300 μM, or less than 275 μM, or less than 250 μM, or less than 225 μM. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organic sulfur compound in the composition is between 10 μM and 350 μM, 100 μM and 350 μM, or 150 μM and 350 μM, and in some embodiments, it is between 200 μM and 300 μM.

[0061] - Ratio of organic halogen compounds to organic sulfur compounds In some embodiments, the ratio of organic halogen compounds to organic sulfur compounds in the composition is preferably 1:10 to 1:3500. In some embodiments, the ratio of organic halogen compounds to organic sulfur compounds in the composition is 1:50 to 1:3500, or 1:100 to 1:3500, or 1:500 to 1:3500, or 1:750 to 1:3500, or 1:1000 to 1:3500, or 1:1500 to 1:3500, or 1:2000 to 1:3500. In some embodiments, the ratio of organic halogen compounds to organic sulfur compounds in the composition is 1:500 to 1:3000, or 1:500 to 1:2750, or 1:500 to 1:2500, or 1:500 to 1:2000, or 1:500 to 1:1500. In preferred embodiments, the ratio of organic halogens to organic sulfur compounds in the composition is 1:750 to 1:3000, or 1:1000 to 1:2500.

[0062] In some examples, the organic halogen is an organic bromine compound, such as bromoform, and the organic sulfur compound is a disulfide, such as allicin.

[0063] - Polyphenol compounds The composition of the present invention may further contain a polyphenol compound (i.e., one or more polyphenol compounds).

[0064] The term "polyphenol" refers to a chemical compound having a hydroxyl group (-OH) directly bonded to an aromatic hydrocarbon group. The term "polyphenol compound" refers to a compound containing more than one phenol group. The polyphenol compounds described in this disclosure may include bioflavonoids, non-bioflavonoid polyphenol compounds, or combinations thereof. This at least one polyphenol compound may, for example, contain at least one bioflavonoid.

[0065] The term "bioflavonoid" refers to a class of secondary metabolites of plants and fungi that have a general structure of a 15-carbon skeleton consisting of two phenyl rings (A and B) and a heterocycle (C) (which may be abbreviated as C6-C3-C6). Therefore, bioflavonoids are polyphenols. The term "bioflavonoid" includes anthoxanthins (including flavones and flavonols), flavanones, flavanonols, flavans, and anthocyanidins. The term "bioflavonoid" also includes compounds having a flavonoid skeleton (2-phenyl-1,4-benzopyrone), an isoflavan skeleton (3-phenylchromen-4-one), or a neoflavan skeleton (4-phenylcoumarin). The term "non-bioflavonoid polyphenol compounds" refers to other classes of polyphenol compounds known in the art that do not fit the definition of the term bioflavonoid as described herein. The term "non-bioflavonoid polyphenol compound" includes polyphenol compounds having 6 or more carbon atoms, 7 or more carbon atoms, 8 or more carbon atoms, 9 or more carbon atoms, 10 or more carbon atoms, 13 or more carbon atoms, 14 or more carbon atoms, 16 or more carbon atoms, 18 or more carbon atoms, or 30 or more carbon atoms. The term "non-bioflavonoid polyphenol compound" includes, but is not limited to, polyphenolic acids (C6-C1 structure), stilbenoides (C6-C2-C6 structure), anthraquinones (C6-C2-C6 structure), and lignans (C6-C3 structure). In some embodiments, the non-bioflavonoid polyphenol compound is a plant polymer, including, but is not limited to, lignin, catechol melanin, flavorane, polyphenol protein, and polyphenol. In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids are independently selected from anthraxanthins (including flavones and flavonols), flavanones (including flavanone glycosides), flavanonols, flavans, isoflavones, anthocyanidins, and proanthocyanidins. In some embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids are independently selected from anthoxanthins and flavanones (including flavanone glycosides). In certain embodiments, all bioflavonoids are anthoxanthins and / or flavanones.In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids are independently flavones or flavanones. In certain embodiments, all bioflavonoids are flavones and / or flavanones. Flavones and flavanones are, for example, independently flavone glycosides and flavanone glycosides, respectively. In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids are flavanones. In certain embodiments, all of the one or more bioflavonoids are flavanones. In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids are flavanone glycosides. In certain embodiments, all bioflavonoids are flavanone glycosides. One or more bioflavonoids may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, naringin, neohesperidin, eriocitrin, isonaringin, naringenin, hesperidin, leufolin, diosmin, zidimine, hesperetin, ponsillin, catechin, rutin, acacetin, genistein, kaempferol, quercetin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, and gallocatechin gallate. In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids include naringin and neohesperidin. In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids are a combination of naringin and neohesperidin. In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids include one or more catechins, rutins, acacetin, genistein, kaempferol, gallocatechins, catechin gallate, epicatechins, epigallocatechins, epicatechin gallate, and quercetin. In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids include one or more of catechins, rutins, acacetin, genistein, and kaempferol. In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids are a combination of catechins, rutins, acacetin, genistein, and kaempferol. In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids include one or more of gallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, kaempferol, and quercetin.In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids include gallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, kaempferol, and quercetin. In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids are a combination of gallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, kaempferol, and quercetin. In certain embodiments, one or more bioflavonoids are a combination of gallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, kaempferol, and quercetin.

[0066] In some embodiments, the polyphenol comprises one or more non-bioflavonoid polyphenol compounds. In some embodiments, one or more non-bioflavonoid polyphenol compounds are each independently selected from phenolic acids, stilbenoides, anthraquinones, lignans, lignins, tannins, polyphenol proteins, and polyphenols. In certain embodiments, each of one or more non-bioflavonoid polyphenol compounds is independently selected from tannins and polyphenols. In certain embodiments, all non-bioflavonoid polyphenol compounds are tannins and / or polyphenols.

[0067] The compositions described herein contain one or more polyphenol compounds. For example, a composition may contain two or more polyphenol compounds, or three or more polyphenol compounds, or four or more polyphenol compounds, or five or six or seven or eight or nine or ten or more polyphenol compounds. For example, a composition may contain one, two, three, four, or five polyphenol compounds. The compositions described herein contain one or more bioflavonoids. For example, a composition may contain two or more bioflavonoids, or three or more bioflavonoids, or four or more bioflavonoids, or five or six or seven or eight or nine or ten or more bioflavonoids. For example, a composition may contain one, two, three, four, or five bioflavonoids. For example, a composition may contain two bioflavonoids, which may be naringin and neohesperidin. In another example, the composition may contain five bioflavonoids, which may be catechin, rutin, acacetin, genistein, and kaempferol. In an alternative embodiment, the composition may contain seven bioflavonoids, which may be gallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, kaempferol, and quercetin. In an alternative embodiment, the composition may contain nine bioflavonoids, which may be gallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, kaempferol, and quercetin.

[0068] One or more polyphenol compounds, such as one or more bioflavonoids, can be obtained, for example, from parts of plants (e.g., fruits or vegetables). For example, flavonols can be obtained from tomatoes, beans, almonds, and / or turnips. For example, flavan-3-ols can be obtained from peaches, plums, strawberries, and / or green tea. For example, flavones can be obtained from watermelon and / or pepper. For example, flavonones can be obtained from citrus fruits. For example, anthocyanidins can be obtained from blueberries, bananas, strawberries, cranberries, and / or plums. One or more polyphenol compounds, such as one or more bioflavonoids, can be obtained, for example, from citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pomelos, or limes. In particular, one or more polyphenol compounds, such as one or more bioflavonoids, can be obtained from oranges. One or more polyphenol compounds, such as one or more bioflavonoids, can be obtained, for example, from the fruit of pomegranate species, such as pomegranate (Punica granatum) or Socotra pomegranate (Punica protopunica). In particular, one or more polyphenol compounds, such as one or more bioflavonoids, can be obtained from pomegranate (Punica granatum).

[0069] One or more polyphenol compounds, such as one or more bioflavonoids, may be obtained, for example, from plants of the genus Camellia (e.g., leaves), such as Camellia sinensis, Camellia taliensis, Camellia oleifera, Camellia assimilis, Camellia azalea, Camellia brevistyla, Camellia caudata, Camellia chekiangoleosa, Camellia chrysantha, Camellia chrysanthoides, Camellia connata, Camellia crapnelliana, Camellia cuspidata, Camellia euphlebia, Camellia euryoides, Camellia flava, Camellia fleuryi, Camellia forrestii, Camellia fraterna, Camellia furfuracea, Camellia gilbertii, Camellia granthamiana, Camellia grijsii, Camellia hengchunensis, Camellia hiemalis, Camellia hongkongensis, Camellia irrawadiensis, Camellia japonica, Camellia kissii, Camellia lutchuensis, Camellia miyagii, Camellia nitidissima, Camellia nokoensis, Camellia parviflora, Camellia pitardii, Camellia pleurocarpa, Camellia polyodonta, Camellia pubupetala, Camellia reticulata, Camellia rosiflora, Camellia rusticana, Camellia salicifolia, Camellia saluenesis, Camellia sasanqua, Camellia semiserrata, Camellia trasnokoensis, Camellia tsaii, CamelliaThese include Camellia tunghinensis, Camellia vietnamensis, Camellia xwilliasii, and Camellia yunnanensis. In particular, one or more bioflavonoids can be obtained from Camellia sinensis (tea plant). Any subspecies and varieties of Camellia sinensis can be used. Part of Camellia sinensis (e.g., leaves) may or may not be treated, for example, by steaming, wilting, roller treatment, oxidation, fermentation, and / or drying. One or more polyphenol compounds, such as one or more bioflavonoids, can be obtained, for example, from the leaves of green tea (Camellia sinensis).

[0070] For example, one or more polyphenol compounds, such as one or more bioflavonoids, may be obtained from extracts of fruits of the genus Citrus, fruits of the genus Pomegranate, or parts of plants of the genus Camellia. The term “extract” includes aqueous extracts, non-aqueous extracts, alcoholic extracts, concentrates, oils, macerations, powders, granules, and two or more combinations thereof. For example, one or more polyphenol compounds, such as one or more bioflavonoids, may be obtained from dried citrus fruits, dried pomegranates, or dried parts (e.g., leaves) of Camellia plants. For example, one or more polyphenol compounds, such as one or more bioflavonoids, may be obtained from fresh citrus fruits, fresh pomegranates, or fresh parts (e.g., leaves) of Camellia plants.

[0071] One or more polyphenol compounds, for example, one or more bioflavonoids, may or may not be isolated and / or purified before being incorporated into the compositions described herein. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the compositions described herein may include fresh citrus fruits, dried citrus fruits, and / or extracts of citrus fruits, or fresh pomegranates, dried pomegranates, and / or extracts of pomegranates, or fresh camellia plants, dried camellia plants, and / or extracts of camellia plants.

[0072] In other embodiments, one or more polyphenol compounds, such as one or more bioflavonoids, may be independently synthesized chemically.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises two polyphenol compounds, and for example, two bioflavonoids. The ratio of the first polyphenol compound to the second polyphenol compound, for example, the ratio of the first bioflavonoid to the second bioflavonoid, may be in the range of, for example, about 0.5:5 to about 3:1. For example, the ratio of the first polyphenol compound to the second polyphenol compound, for example, the ratio of the first bioflavonoid to the second bioflavonoid, may be in the range of about 0.5:5 to about 2.5:1, or about 0.5:5 to about 2:1, or about 0.5:5 to about 1.5:1, or 0.5:5 to about 1:1. For example, the ratio of the first polyphenol compound to the second polyphenol compound, for example, the ratio of the first bioflavonoid to the second bioflavonoid, may be in the range of about 1:5 to about 3:1, or about 1.5:5 to about 3:1, or 2:5 to about 3:1, or about 2.5:5 to about 3:1, or 3:5 to about 3:1, or about 3.5:5 to about 3:1, or about 4:5 to about 3:1, or about 4.5:5 to about 3:1, or about 5:5 to about 3:1. This ratio is preferably 2:1.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the compositions described herein contain naringin and neohesperidin. In certain embodiments, at least one polyphenol contains naringin, neohesperidin, or a combination thereof as a majority component, where majority refers to at least 50% by weight, or at least 60% by weight, or at least 70% by weight, or at least 80% by weight, or at least 90% by weight of the total weight of the polyphenol compounds. The ratio of naringin to neohesperidin may be, for example, in the range of about 0.5:5 to about 3:1. For example, the ratio of naringin to neohesperidin may be in the range of about 0.5:5 to about 2.5:1, or about 0.5:5 to about 2:1, or about 0.5:5 to about 1.5:1, or about 0.5:5 to about 1:1. For example, the ratio of naringin to neohesperidin may be in the range of approximately 1:5 to 3:1, or approximately 1.5:5 to 3:1, or approximately 2:5 to 3:1, or approximately 2.5:5 to 3:1, or approximately 3.5 to 3:1, or approximately 3.5:5 to 3:1, or approximately 4:5 to 3:1, or approximately 4.5:5 to 3:1, or approximately 5:5 to 3:1. This ratio is preferably 2:1.

[0075] In certain embodiments, the ratio of total organosulfur compounds to total polyphenol compounds (e.g., the ratio of total organosulfur compounds to total bioflavonoids) is in the range of about 16:1 to about 1:30. For example, the ratio of total organosulfur compounds to total polyphenol compounds (e.g., the ratio of total organosulfur compounds to total bioflavonoids) may be in the range of about 15:1 to about 1:30, or about 14:1 to about 1:30, or about 13:1 to about 1:30, or about 12:1 to about 1:30, or about 10:1 to about 1:30, or about 16:1 to about 1:16. For example, the ratio of total organic sulfur compounds to total polyphenol compounds (for example, the ratio of total organic sulfur compounds to total bioflavonoids) may be in the range of approximately 9:1 to approximately 1:25, or approximately 8:1 to approximately 1:20, or approximately 7:1 to approximately 1:15, or approximately 6:1 to approximately 1:10, or approximately 5:1 to approximately 1:8, or approximately 4:1 to approximately 1:7, or approximately 3:1 to approximately 1:6, or approximately 2:1 to approximately 1:5, or approximately 1:1 to approximately 1:4. For example, the ratio of total organic sulfur compounds to total polyphenol compounds (for example, the ratio of total organic sulfur compounds to total bioflavonoids) may be in the range of approximately 1:1 to approximately 1:3, or approximately 2:1 to approximately 1:4. For example, the ratio of total organic sulfur compounds to total polyphenol compounds (for example, the ratio of total organic sulfur compounds to total bioflavonoids) may be approximately 1:3.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the ratio of organosulfur compounds to the total polyphenol compounds (e.g., the ratio of organosulfur compounds to the total bioflavonoids) is in the range of about 16:1 to about 1:30. For example, the ratio of organosulfur compounds to the total polyphenol compounds (e.g., the ratio of organosulfur compounds to the total bioflavonoids) may be in the range of about 15:1 to about 1:30, or about 14:1 to about 1:30, or about 13:1 to about 1:30, or about 12:1 to about 1:30, or about 10:1 to about 1:30, or about 16:1 to about 1:16. The ratio of organic sulfur compounds to the total polyphenol compounds (for example, the ratio of total organic sulfur compounds to the total bioflavonoids) may be in the range of approximately 9:1 to approximately 1:25, or approximately 8:1 to approximately 1:20, or approximately 7:1 to approximately 1:15, or approximately 6:1 to approximately 1:10, or approximately 5:1 to approximately 1:8, or approximately 4:1 to approximately 1:7, or approximately 3:1 to approximately 1:6, or approximately 2:1 to approximately 1:5, or approximately 1:1 to approximately 1:4. For example, the ratio of organic sulfur compounds to the total polyphenol compounds (for example, the ratio of total organic sulfur compounds to the total bioflavonoids) may be in the range of approximately 1:4 to approximately 1:8, or approximately 1:1 to approximately 1:3, or approximately 2:1 to approximately 1:4. For example, the ratio of the organic sulfur compound to the total polyphenol compound (e.g., the ratio of the total organic sulfur compound to the total bioflavonoids) may be about 1:6 or about 1:3. In a preferred embodiment, the organic sulfur compound is a disulfide compound. In a preferred embodiment, the organic sulfur compound is allicin and / or the polyphenol compound is a bioflavonoid containing naringin and neohesperidin.

[0077] In some embodiments, the organic sulfur compound and at least one polyphenol compound may be provided as a mixture. The mixture may be as described in WO2018 / 220340A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the examples described herein, the ratio of the organic sulfur compound to the total polyphenol compound in the mixture is 1:3, and the ratio of garlic powder to citrus extract is 93:7, which is referred to as "NXRH214" in the examples described herein. In some examples described herein, the ratio of the organic halogen compound (e.g., bromoform) to the powdered mixture containing the organic sulfur and polyphenol compound (e.g., NXRH214 powder) is 1:100 to 1:100000, more preferably 1:30000 to 1:100000, or 1:35000 to 1:83000.

[0078] - Other additives The composition may further contain, for example, other animal feed supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, antibiotics, growth promoters, and combinations thereof. For example, the composition may contain other biologically active animal feed supplements, which are suitable, for example, to reduce methane production and emissions and / or improve nutrient availability to animals. Vitamins may be one or more of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, carotenoids (including beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene), niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin C, choline, inositol, and salts and derivatives thereof. Minerals may be one or more of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, cobalt, boron, iodine, sodium, potassium, molybdenum, selenium, chromium, fluorine, and chlorine. The animal feed supplement may contain, for example, about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of each additional animal feed supplement, or about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of each additional animal feed supplement, or about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of each additional animal feed supplement.

[0079] The composition may contain, for example, organic sulfur compounds, organic halogen compounds, and at least one optional polyphenol compound, as well as other components such as flavorings, colorants, stabilizers, antioxidants, buffers, emulsifiers, dispersants, thickeners, solubilizers, micronutrients (e.g., selenium), vitamins, other feed materials (e.g., hydrocarbons, e.g., sugars and starches), soluble and insoluble fibers, cellulose, lignocellulose, grains, grain bran, grain intermediates, grain husks, fruit and vegetable seeds, animal skins, plant skins, and the like.

[0080] - animal food Further disclosed herein are animal feeds comprising the compositions described herein. The animal feed may be solid (e.g., powder, granules, pellets), semi-solid (e.g., gel, ointment, cream, paste), or liquid (e.g., solution, suspension, emulsion). The animal feed may be solid, semi-solid (e.g., gel, ointment, cream, paste), or liquid (e.g., solution, suspension, emulsion) independently. For example, the animal feed may be liquid, semi-solid, or solid at the same time. Alternatively, the animal feed and the composition may be in different physical states. For example, the animal feed may be solid or semi-solid, and the composition may be liquid. The composition may be used, for example, to “pour” (add on top of) ruminant feed, or to blend into a total mixed feed. The composition may be added, for example, to the drinking water of animals. In certain embodiments, the composition may be added to the animal's drinking water immediately before ingestion, for example, up to one hour before ingestion, or up to 30 minutes before ingestion, or up to 15 minutes before ingestion, or up to 5 minutes before ingestion. The three main types of animal feed include roughage, concentrates, and mixed feeds. Generally, roughage contains a higher proportion of crude fiber and a relatively lower proportion of digestible nutrients compared to concentrates. For example, roughage can be defined as containing 20% ​​or more by weight of crude fiber and 60% or less by weight of total digestible nutrients. Examples of roughage include dry roughage (e.g., hay, straw, and artificially dehydrated fodder containing at least 90% by weight of dry matter), silage (raw fodder, e.g., grass, alfalfa, sorghum, and corn, stored in silos with a dry matter content of 20-50%), and pasture grass (e.g., fresh, growing pasture grass that provides fodder, having a high water content and generally containing less than 30% dry matter). Two basic types of roughage are grass and legumes. Grass is generally richer in fiber and dry matter than legumes. Legumes are generally relatively high in protein, metabolizable energy, vitamins, and minerals. Concentrates contain relatively lower crude fiber and a relatively higher proportion of digestible nutrients than roughage.For example, a concentrate can be defined as containing less than 20% by weight of crude fiber and more than 60% by weight of total digestible nutrients. Concentrates may include, for example, energy-rich grains and molasses. Corn, wheat, oats, barley, and milo (grains of the genus Sorghum) are energy-rich grains and contain about 70-80% by weight of total digestible nutrients.

[0081] Mixed feed is generally a mixture of roughage and concentrates, intended to provide a “complete” balanced diet, which may be high or low in energy, protein, and fiber. At least one organic sulfur compound and at least one polyphenol compound (e.g., at least one bioflavonoid) may be combined with the animal feed in varying amounts, depending, for example, on the total amount of one or more organic halogen compounds, one or more organic sulfur compounds, and optional one or more polyphenol compounds (e.g., one or more bioflavonoids) intended to be administered to the animal.

[0082] The animal feed may contain, for example, about 0.0001% to about 10% by weight of an organic sulfur compound (e.g., allicin) based on the total dry weight of the animal feed. The animal feed may contain, for example, about 0.3% to about 10% by weight of an organic sulfur compound (e.g., allicin) based on the total dry weight of the animal feed. For example, animal feed may contain organosulfur compounds (e.g., allicin) in amounts of approximately 0.001% to approximately 9.5% by weight, or approximately 0.005% to approximately 9% by weight, or approximately 0.01% to approximately 8.5% by weight, or approximately 0.05% to approximately 8% by weight, or approximately 0.1% to approximately 7.5% by weight, or approximately 0.9% to approximately 7% by weight, or approximately 1% to approximately 6% by weight, or approximately 1.5% to approximately 5.5% by weight, or approximately 2% to approximately 5% by weight, or approximately 2.5% to approximately 4.5% by weight, or approximately 3% to approximately 4% by weight, based on the total dry weight of the animal feed. For example, animal feed may contain an organic sulfur compound (e.g., allicin) in an amount of about 0.4% to about 9.5% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 9% by weight, or about 0.6% to about 8.5% by weight, or about 0.7% to about 8% by weight, or about 0.8% to about 7.5% by weight, or about 0.9% to about 7% by weight, or about 1% to about 6% by weight, or about 1.5% to about 5.5% by weight, or about 2% to about 5% by weight, or about 2.5% to about 4.5% by weight, or about 3% to about 4% by weight, based on the total dry weight of the animal feed. The total concentration of organic sulfur compounds (e.g., allicin) present in the animal feed supplement or animal feed composition described herein typically exceeds the concentration of each organic halogen compound. As described above, the ratio of organic halogen compounds to organic sulfur compounds in animal feed may be about 1:10 to 1:3500, or 1:100 to 1:3500, or more preferably 1:1000 to 1:2500. Therefore, in some embodiments, the animal feed may contain about 0.00015% to about 0.01% by weight of organic sulfur compounds (e.g., allicin) based on the total dry weight of the animal feed.

[0083] If present, the animal feed may contain, for example, about 0.0001% to about 10% by weight of total polyphenol compounds (e.g., total bioflavonoids) based on the total dry weight of the animal feed. The animal feed may contain, for example, about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of total polyphenol compounds (e.g., total bioflavonoids) based on the total dry weight of the animal feed. For example, animal feed may contain a total of polyphenol compounds (e.g., total bioflavonoids) in amounts of approximately 0.001% to approximately 10% by weight, or approximately 0.005% to approximately 10% by weight, or approximately 0.01% to approximately 9.5% by weight, or approximately 0.05% to approximately 9% by weight, or approximately 0.1% to approximately 8.5% by weight, or approximately 0.7% to approximately 8% by weight, or approximately 0.8% to approximately 7.5% by weight, or approximately 0.9% to approximately 7% by weight, or approximately 1% to approximately 6% by weight, or approximately 1.5% to approximately 5.5% by weight, or approximately 2% to approximately 5% by weight, or approximately 2.5% to approximately 4.5% by weight, or approximately 3% to approximately 4% by weight, based on the total dry weight of the animal feed. For example, animal feed may contain a total of polyphenol compounds (e.g., total bioflavonoids) in amounts of approximately 0.2% to 10% by weight, or approximately 0.3% to 10% by weight, or approximately 0.4% to 9.5% by weight, or approximately 0.5% to 9% by weight, or approximately 0.6% to 8.5% by weight, or approximately 0.7% to 8% by weight, or approximately 0.8% to 7.5% by weight, or approximately 0.9% to 7% by weight, or approximately 1% to 6% by weight, or approximately 1.5% to 5.5% by weight, or approximately 2% to 5% by weight, or approximately 2.5% to 4.5% by weight, or approximately 3% to 4% by weight, based on the total dry weight of the animal feed. The total concentration of organic sulfur compounds (e.g., allicin) present in the animal feed supplements or animal feed compositions described herein may exceed the total concentration of one or more polyphenol compounds.

[0084] - Method of Disclosure This disclosure discloses a method for reducing methane, for example, a method for reducing methane production by animals, the method comprising administering a composition or animal feed described herein to an animal, more particularly to a ruminant.

[0085] The compositions and methods described herein reduce methane production and / or emissions by at least about 10% (compared to methane production and / or emissions if the animal feed supplement were not consumed). For example, the animal feed supplement reduces methane production and / or emissions by at least about 10%, or at least about 15%, or at least about 25%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 45%, or at least about 50%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 70%, or at least about 80%. The animal feed supplement described herein reduces methane production and / or emissions by at least 100%. For example, animal feed supplements may reduce methane production and / or emissions by approximately 99%, 98%, 97%, 96%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, or 70%. This can be measured, for example, by a Hohenheim gas test or a pressure gauge.

[0086] Further described herein are methods for inhibiting one or more methane sources, comprising administering the compositions or animal feed described herein to an animal, more particularly to a ruminant. In some embodiments, the compositions and combinations described herein can be used to reduce one or more methane sources selected from the following: Methanobacterium formicicum, Methanobacterium bryantii, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, Methanobrevibacter millerae, Methanobrevibacter olleyae, Methanomicrobium mobile, Methanoculleus olentangyi, Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanobrevibacter boviskoreani, Methanobacterium beijingense, Methanoculleus marisnigri, Methanoculleus bourgensis, Methanosarcina mazei, Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii, Methanobrevibacter thaueri, Methanobrevibacter smithii, Methanosphaera stadtmanae, Methanobrevibacter woesei, Methanobrevibacter wolinii.

[0087] Further described herein are methods for improving the metabolic efficiency of animals, which include administering to animals the compositions or animal feed of the present invention. Improvements in metabolic efficiency can result in increased yields of animal products, such as one or more meats, fats, wool (i.e., fibers), and milks. Thus, the compositions or methods of the present invention can improve the production of animal meat and / or fats and / or wool and / or milks.

[0088] The compositions, animal feeds, and methods described in the present invention can increase the production of milk and / or meat and / or wool by at least about 20% (compared to the production of milk and / or meat and / or fat and / or wool if the composition or animal feed were not consumed). For example, the composition or animal feed can increase the production of milk and / or meat and / or fat and / or wool by at least about 25%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 45%, or at least about 50%. The compositions or animal feeds described in this disclosure can increase the production of milk and / or meat and / or fat and / or wool by at least 100%. For example, the composition or animal feed can increase the production of milk and / or meat and / or fat and / or wool by at least about 95%, or at least about 90%, or at least about 85%, or at least about 80%, or at least about 75%, or at least about 70%. This can be measured, for example, by the volume of milk produced per day, or by the weight of animals, or wool, and / or meat produced.

[0089] The compositions and animal feeds described herein may increase the efficiency of milk and / or meat and / or wool production by at least about 20% (compared to the efficiency of milk and / or meat and / or fat and / or wool production if the compositions or animal feed were not consumed). For example, the compositions or animal feeds may increase the efficiency of milk and / or meat and / or fat and / or wool production by at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, or at least about 50%. The compositions or animal feeds described herein may increase the efficiency of milk and / or meat and / or fat and / or wool production by at least 100%. For example, the composition or animal feed may increase the efficiency of milk and / or meat and / or fat and / or wool production by about 95%, or about 90%, or about 85%, or about 80%, or about 75%, or about 70%. Efficiency is related to the degree of a particular biological process (e.g., milk, meat, fat, wool production) per unit of nutrients consumed. This can be measured, for example, by dividing the change in the volume of milk produced per day or the weight of animals, or the weight of wool, or the weight of fat, by the total nutrients consumed by the animals. The composition or animal feed described herein may increase the availability of nutrients by at least about 20% (compared to the production of milk and / or meat and / or fat and / or wool if the composition or animal feed were not consumed). For example, the compositions or animal feeds described herein may increase nutrient availability by at least about 25%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 45%, or at least about 50%. The compositions or animal feeds described herein may increase nutrient availability by, for example, 100% or less. For example, the compositions or animal feeds may increase nutrient availability by at least 95%, or at least 90%, or at least 85%, or at least 80%, or at least 75%, or at least 70%. Nutrient availability refers to the amount of nutrients available to the animal that are used for biological / metabolic functions.

[0090] In some embodiments, the ruminant is a cattle, goat, sheep, yak, deer, or antelope.

[0091] This composition or animal feed may be administered orally to animals. In some embodiments, this composition or animal feed may be administered to animals on a daily basis.

[0092] To improve the metabolic efficiency of ruminants. This disclosure provides the preparation of feed supplements which incorporate organic halogen compounds, organic sulfur compounds, and polyphenol compounds obtained biologically or synthetically, which are suitable for oral administration to ruminants and improve their metabolic efficiency, thereby resulting in a reduction in methane and nitrogen excretion, as well as an increase in valuable animal products such as meat, fat, fiber, and milk.

[0093] This invention is based on the unexpected finding that when certain organic halogen compounds, organic sulfur compounds, and polyphenol compounds are administered to ruminants to reduce methane excretion, they also improve the metabolic efficiency of the ruminants, reduce urinary nitrogen excretion, and increase the production of valuable animal products. Furthermore, when the above organic halogen compounds, organic sulfur compounds, and polyphenol compounds are administered in specific combinations, there is a remarkable enhancement in reducing both methane and nitrogen excretion, as well as a remarkable enhancement in increasing the production of valuable animal products.

[0094] The inventors of this study have found an unexpected and remarkable improvement in metabolic efficiency from a feed supplement containing a specific combination of marine macroalgae rich in organic halogens, plants rich in organic sulfur, and plants rich in polyphenols.

[0095] The combination of organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae, organic sulfur-rich plants, and polyphenol-rich plants of the present invention reduces methane production and ruminant methane production when administered to ruminants. The reduction in methane production occurs in different ways, including: reducing methane-producing organisms by restricting or killing their growth; and reducing the methane production process by restricting or stopping the enzymes involved in methane production.

[0096] Methane sources identified in cattle, sheep, and goats include Methanobacterium formicicum, Methanobacterium bryantii, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, Methanobrevibacter millerae, Methanobrevibacter olleyae, Methanomicrobium mobile, Methanoculleus olentangyi, Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanobrevibacter boviskoreani, Methanobacterium beijingense, Methanoculleus marisnigri, Methanoculleus bourgensis, Methanosarcina mazei, Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii, Methanobrevibacter thaueri, Methanobrevibacter smithii, Methahospheaera stadtmanae, Methanobrevibacter woesei, and Methanobrevibacter wolinii.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the compositions and combinations described herein can be used to reduce one or more methane sources selected from Methanobacterium formicicum, Methanobacterium bryantii, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, Methanobrevibacter millerae, Methanobrevibacter olleyae, Methanomicrobium mobile, Methanoculleus olentangyi, Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanobrevibacter boviskoreani, Methanobacterium beijingense, Methanoculleus marisnigri, Methanoculleus bourgensis, Methanosarcina mazei, Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii, Methanobrevibacter thaueri, Methanobrevibacter smithii, Methahospheaera stadtmanae, Methanobrevibacter woesei, and Methanobrevibacter wolinii.

[0097] The combination of organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae, organic sulfur-rich plants, and polyphenol-rich plants of the present invention exhibits remarkable enhancements in reducing methane excretion and urinary nitrogen excretion, as well as remarkable enhancements in increasing valuable animal products. This is thought to be due to the synergistic effect between different modes of methane production inhibition, examples of which include:

[0098] Organic halogen compounds from the marine megaalgae Asparagopsis species include organic bromine compounds, particularly bromoform (CHBr3, tribromomethane), which inhibits the efficiency of the methyltransferase enzyme by reacting with the reduced vitamin B12 cofactor required in the second to final steps of methane production, and also competitively inhibits methane production by acting as the final electron acceptor.

[0099] Organic sulfur compounds from the plant genus Allium include allicin and diallyl disulfide, which possess anti-methane activity due to oxidative interactions with important thio-containing enzymes and by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase.

[0100] Polyphenol compounds derived from the citrus genus include the flavonoids neohesperidin and naringin, which possess anti-methane activity.

[0101] The inventors have found that the unexpected and surprising improvements in metabolic efficiency resulting from the supplement of the present invention may also be attributable to additional health benefits, exemplified by anthelmintic effects resulting in a reduction in gastrointestinal parasites, antibacterial effects resulting in a reduction in bacterial infections, including mastitis, and the provision of supplemental trace minerals and vitamins present in the combination of organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae, organic sulfur-rich plants, and polyphenol-rich plants of the present invention when administered to ruminants.

[0102] The combination of marine algae rich in organic halogens, plants rich in organic sulfur, and plants rich in polyphenols according to the present invention can be administered as a feed supplement in specific combinations and ratios.

[0103] The combination of marine algae rich in organic halogens, plants rich in organic sulfur, and plants rich in polyphenols according to the present invention may be administered as separate feed supplements, or as a mixed composition feed supplement.

[0104] use The compositions or animal feeds described herein (including all embodiments and combinations thereof) may be used to reduce methane production and / or emissions by animals, to reduce nitrogen excretion by animals, to increase the availability of nutrients to animals, and / or to increase the valuable nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich animal products produced by animals.

[0105] In certain embodiments, the animal is a ruminant. Ruminants include animals selected from the suborders Ruminantia and Neuculopoda, and include domesticated ruminants such as cattle (e.g., dairy cows), goats, sheep, buffalo, yaks, deer, or antelopes.

[0106] In particular, when the composition or feed supplement of the present invention is administered to ruminants in an effective amount, it results in reduced ruminant methane production, which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere mainly through gas exhalation via the mouth and nasal cavity, resulting in an energy loss of 2-12% of the total energy ingested from the feed.

[0107] Methane is a greenhouse gas with a global warming effect 28 times greater than that of carbon dioxide. Enteric-coated methane is a byproduct of ruminant digestion and is produced through a process called the methane production pathway by a complex community of microorganisms, including ciliates, bacteria, archaea, and anaerobic bacteria. Cattle produce about 7 times and 9 times more methane than sheep and goats, respectively. Enteric-coated methane is mainly produced in the rumen (87-90%) and in relatively small amounts (13-10%) in the large intestine.

[0108] The compositions and feed supplements of the present invention divert metabolic energy away from methane production and direct it towards the anabolic growth process. Consequently, the feed supplements result in an increase in biological mass in ruminants, which is determined by: direct measurement of animal mass, computed tomography (CT) scans to measure empty body mass (total mass excluding intestinal matter), carcass mass, and compositional analysis (distribution of lean muscle, fat, and major fat, and changes in organs including the liver).

[0109] Examples of valuable nitrogen- and carbon-rich animal products are tissue-based commodities, such as meat, organs, and leather.

[0110] Other examples of valuable nitrogen- and carbon-rich animal products include commodities based on secretions and products of these commodities, such as milk, whole milk, milk powder, cream, ice cream, cheese, and yogurt.

[0111] Other examples of valuable nitrogen- and carbon-rich animal products include fiber-based commodities, such as wool, horns, and deer antlers.

[0112] The compositions and feed supplements of the present invention result in unexpected and remarkable improvements in metabolic efficiency, which is likely to lead to a reduction in excreted urinary nitrogen, which accumulates in urinary compartments on grasslands after urination. If the excess excreted nitrogen in the urinary compartments is greater than what is required for optimal grassland plant efficiency, the excess nitrogen is lost through nitrate (NO3-) leaching and volatilization of ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O), and nitrogen (N2). Nitrous oxide is particularly damaging to the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas, with 298 times the warming capacity of carbon dioxide. The loss of nitrogen into groundwater can lead to uncontrolled growth of aquatic biota, thus damaging ecosystems and causing harmful algal blooms and eutrophication of water systems.

[0113] Manufacturing method The compositions and animal feed supplements described herein may be obtained by combining one or more organic halogen compositions, one or more organic sulfur compounds, and one or more polyphenol compounds.

[0114] Organic halogen compositions may be synthesized or extracted from suitable biosources and may be used in raw or processed form. For example, organic halogen compositions include CH3Cl, CH3Br, CH3I, CH2Cl2, CH2Br2, CH2I2, CHCl3, CHBr3, CHI3, CCl4, CBr4, CH2ClBr, CH2ClI, CH2BrI, CHBr2Cl, CHBrI2, CHBrClI, CHBr2I, CHBrCl2, CH3CH2Br, CH3CH2I, CH3CH2CH2I, CH3(CH2)3I, CH3(CH2)4Br, CH3(CH2)4I, (CH3)2CHI, CH3CH2CH(CH3)I, (CH3)2CHCH2I, BrCH2CH2Br, ClCH=CCl2, and CH3CH2CH2CH2I.

[0115] The biosource of the organic halogen composition is marine macroalgae rich in organic halogens. For example, the marine macroalgae rich in organic halogens include at least one species selected from the group consisting of Asparagopsis armata, Asparagopsis taxiformis, Dictyota (a species of the genus Dictyota), Oedogonium (a species of the genus Oedogonium), Ulva (a species of the genus Ulva), and Cladophora patentiramea.

[0116] Organosulfur compounds can be synthesized or extracted from suitable biosources and can be used in raw or processed forms. Examples of organosulfur compounds include organosulfur secondary metabolites, allicin (C6H10S2O), diallyl sulfide (C6H10S), diallyl disulfide (C6H10S2), and allyl mercaptan (C3H6S).

[0117] The biosource of organosulfur compounds is plants rich in organosulfur. Examples of organosulfur-rich plants include species of the genus Allium, A. sativum (garlic), A. ampeloprasum (chives), and A. cepa (onions and shallots). One or more organosulfur compounds can be obtained from one or more parts of a plant, including leaves, stems (trunks), bark, roots, bulbs, flowers, fruits, and seeds.

[0118] Polyphenol compounds can be synthesized or extracted from suitable biosources and can be used in raw or processed forms. For example, polyphenol compounds include bioflavonoids and phenol compounds. The term phenol compound refers to a class of compounds containing a hydroxyl group (-OH) directly bonded to an aromatic hydrocarbon group. The phenol compounds described herein may include bioflavonoids, non-bioflavonoid phenol compounds, or combinations thereof. At least one polyphenol compound may contain, for example, at least one bioflavonoid. The term bioflavonoid refers to a class of secondary metabolites of plants and fungi, having a general structure of a 15-carbon skeleton consisting of two phenyl rings (A and B) and a heterocycle (C), sometimes abbreviated as C6-C3-C6. Examples of bioflavonoids include anthoxanthins (including flavones and flavonols), flavanones, flavanonols, flavans, and anthocyanidins. The term bioflavonoid also includes compounds having a flavone skeleton (2-phenyl-1,4-benzopyrone), an isoflavan skeleton (3-phenylchromen-4-one), or a neoflavan skeleton (4-phenylcoumarin).Therefore, the term polyphenol compounds include, but are not limited to, the following: anthoxanthin, flavanone (including flavanone glycoside), flavonol, flavanonol, flavan, isoflavone, anthocyanidin, proanthocyanidin, phenolic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, coumarin, stilbenoid, anthraquinone, lignan, lignin, tannin, polyphenyl protein, catechin, rutin, acacetin, genistein, kaempferol, gallocatechin, catechin gallic acid, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicate Quercetin, allocatechin, gallocatechin gallic acid, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallic acid, epigallocatechin gallic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, naringin, neohesperidin, eriocitrin, isonaringin, naringenin, hesperidin, leuforin, diosmin, dzimin, hesperetin, poncillin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, punicalagin, punicalin.

[0119] The biosource of polyphenyl compounds is polyphenyl-rich plants. Examples of polyphenyl-rich plants include: Allium (species of the genus Allium), Brassica (species of the genus Brassica), Camelia (species of the genus Camellia), Capsicum (species of the genus Capsicum), Citrus (species of the genus Citrus), Cucumis (species of the genus Cucumis), Malus (species of the genus Malus), Musa (species of the genus Banana), Phaseolus (species of the genus Bean), Prunus (species of Prunus), Punica (species of Pomegranate), Pyrus (species of Pyrus), Solanum (species of Solanum), and Vaccinium (species of Vaccinium). One or more polyphenol compounds can be obtained from one or more plant parts, including, for example, leaves, stems (trunks), bark, roots, bulbs, flowers, fruits, and seeds.

[0120] The compositions or animal feed supplements described herein may be prepared by a combination of one or more organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae, one or more organic sulfur-rich plant compounds, and one or more polyphenol plants.

[0121] The compositions are combined in appropriate amounts to obtain a composition having the desired amount of each component. Each component may be combined with one or more other components in any order and combination suitable for obtaining the desired product. For example, each component may be combined by mixing or blending. For example, one or more organic halogen compounds, one or more organic sulfur compounds, and one or more phenol compounds may be combined with animal feed by placing them on top of the animal feed (top dressing).

[0122] The composition may be prepared in the form of a dry solid, for example, in the form of a powder, and may be subjected to further processing steps depending on the type of formulation for the intended final product. The method may further include a forming step, where the mixture is molded, pressed, spray-dried, or otherwise formed into a shape (e.g., rod, ball, pellet, cluster, tablet) with dimensions and / or texture suitable for consumption by the type of animal described herein. The method may include placing the animal feed or animal feed supplement in a special dispensing device such as a syringe. The method may include forming the animal feed supplement or animal feed into a bolus tablet, which may be intended to remain in the stomach of an animal (e.g., the rumen of a ruminant).

[0123] Administration of methane production inhibitors Further described in this disclosure are methods for the stepwise administration of methane production inhibitor feed supplements, which incorporate bio-derived organic halogens and / or organic sulfur compounds and / or polyphenol compounds, which are suitable for oral administration to ruminants to improve metabolic efficiency, are suitable for reducing methane excretion and nitrogen excretion, and are suitable for increasing valuable animal products such as meat, fat, fiber, and milk.

[0124] As used in this disclosure, the term “stepwise” means administering at least one dose of an effective amount of at least one methane-producing inhibitor, and optionally administering at least one sequential dose of an effective amount of at least one methane-producing inhibitor after some effective time interval.

[0125] This disclosure is based on the unexpected finding that when the above-mentioned feed supplement is administered to the above-mentioned animals in a certain effective dose and in a stepwise manner at certain effective intervals, it provides remarkable economic benefits through improved metabolic efficiency, reduced methane excretion and nitrogen excretion, and increased valuable animal products such as meat, fat, fiber and milk.

[0126] Inhibition of methane production occurs through different modes of action, including, for example, reducing the methane production process, limiting or stopping the enzymes involved in methane production, or reducing methane-producing organisms by limiting their growth or killing them.

[0127] Methane production inhibitors include, for example, the following: organic halogen compounds, CH3Cl, CH3Br, CH3I, CH2Cl2, CH2Br2, CH2I2, CHCl3, CHBr3, CHI3, CCl4, CBr4, CH2ClBr, CH2ClI, CH2BrI, CHBr2Cl, CHBrI2, CHBrClI, CHBr2I, CHBrCl2, CH3CH2Br, CH3CH2I, CH3CH2CH2I, CH3(CH2)3I, CH3(CH2)4Br, CH3(CH2)4I, (CH3)2CHI, CH3CH2CH(CH3 )I, (CH3)2CHCH2I, BrCH2CH2Br, ClCH=CCl2, and CH3CH2CH2CH2I, organosulfur compounds, organosulfur secondary metabolites: allicin (C6H10S2O), diallyl sulfide (C6H10S), diallyl disulfide (C6H10S2), allyl mercaptan (C3H6S), polyphenol compounds: flavonoids, bioflavonoids, nonbioflavonantxanthins, flavones, flavonols, flavonones, flavanonols, flavans, anthocyanidins, isoflavans, neoflavans Antoxanthin, isoflavone, proanthocyanidin, phenolic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, coumarin, stilbenoid, anthraquinone, lignan, lignin, tannin, polyphenol protein, catechin, rutin, acacetin, genistein, kaempferol, gallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, quercetin, allocatechin, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, Epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, kaempferol, quercetin, naringin, neohesperidin, eriocitrin, isonaringin, naringenin, hesperidin, leuforin, diosmin, didymin, hesperetin, poncillin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, punicalagin, punicalin.

[0128] The biosource of organic halogen compounds is marine macroalgae rich in organic halogens. For example, marine macroalgae rich in organic halogens include at least one species of marine macroalgae selected from the group consisting of Asparagopsis armata, Asparagopsis taxiformis, Dictyota (a species of the genus Dictyota), Oedogonium (a species of the genus Oedogonium), Ulva (a species of the genus Ulva), and Cladophora patentiramea. The organic halogen compounds, organic bromine compounds, and bromoforms described herein may be synthesized.

[0129] The biosource of organosulfur compounds is plants rich in organosulfur. Examples of organosulfur-rich plants include species of the genus Allium, A. sativum (garlic), A. ampeloprasum (chives), and A. cepa (onions and shallots). One or more organosulfur compounds can be obtained from one or more parts of a plant, including, for example, leaves, stems (trunks), bark, roots, bulbs, flowers, fruits, and seeds. The organosulfur compounds described herein may also be synthesized.

[0130] The biosource of polyphenol compounds is polyphenol-rich plants. Examples of polyphenol-rich plants include species of the genera Allium, Brassica, Camellia, Capsicum, Citrus, Cucumis, Malus, Musa, Phaseolus, Prunus, Punica, Pyrus, Solanum, and Vaccinium. One or more polyphenol compounds can be obtained from one or more parts of a plant, including, for example, leaves, stems (trunks), bark, roots, bulbs, flowers, fruits, and seeds. The polyphenol compounds described herein may be synthesized.

[0131] The inventors of this case have recognized that optimizing stepwise administration by optimizing both the effective dose and the effective time interval between sequential doses results in the following: 1. The increase in valuable animal products in the above ruminants is maximized, contributing to economic benefits, and 2. Excessive feeding or otherwise excessive administration is prevented, which reduces the cost of feed supplements and contributes to economic benefits, 3. Excessive feeding or otherwise excessive administration is prevented, which prevents the feed supplement from causing adverse effects in the ruminant animals and contributes to economic benefit.

[0132] The inventors of this case recognized unexpected and surprising economic benefits from carefully controlling the stepwise administration of methane production inhibitor feed supplements containing specific combinations of organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae and / or organic sulfur-rich plants and / or polyphenyl-rich plants.

[0133] When administered to ruminants, combinations of organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae and / or organic sulfur-rich plants and / or polyphenyl-rich plants reduce methane production and decrease ruminant methane production. The reduction in methane production occurs in different ways, including: reducing methane-producing organisms by limiting their growth or killing them; reducing the methane production process; and limiting or stopping the enzymes involved in methane production.

[0134] The stepwise administration of specific combinations of organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae, organic sulfur-rich plants, and polyphenyl-rich plants of the present invention to ruminants has yielded unexpected and remarkable enhancements in the reduction of methane excretion and urinary nitrogen, as well as an increase in valuable animal products, which is thought to be due to the synergistic effect among various modes of methane production inhibition, including, for example, the following: 1. Organic halogen compounds derived from the marine macroalgae Asparagopsis species contain organic bromines, particularly bromoform (ChBr3, tribromomethane), which inhibit the efficiency of methyltransferase enzymes by reacting with the reduced vitamin B12 cofactor required for the second to final stages of methane production, and also competitively inhibit methane production by acting as the final electron donor. 2. Organosulfur compounds derived from plants of the genus Allium, including allicin and diallyl disulfide, possess anti-methane source activity due to oxidative interactions with important thiol-containing enzymes and by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. 2. Polyphenol compounds derived from citrus plants include the flavonoids neohesperidin and naringin, which possess anti-methane source activity.

[0135] The inventors of this invention have recognized that the unexpected and remarkable improvements in metabolic efficiency resulting from the stepwise administration of the methane production inhibitor feed supplement or composition of the present invention may also be due to additional health benefits, including, for example, the following: anthelmintic effects resulting in a reduction of gastrointestinal parasites; antibacterial effects resulting in a reduction of bacterial infections, such as mastitis; and the provision of supplemental trace minerals and vitamins present in combination with the organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae, organic sulfur-rich plants, and polyphenol-rich plants of the present invention when administered to ruminants.

[0136] The stepwise administration of the organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae and / or organic sulfur-rich plants and / or polyphenol-rich plants of the present invention may be administered as a feed supplement in specific combinations and ratios.

[0137] The stepwise administration of the combination of organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae and / or organic sulfur-rich plants and / or polyphenol-rich plants of the present invention may be administered as separate feed supplements or mixed into a mixed feed supplement composition (for example, as the composition described herein).

[0138] use The stepwise administration of the methane production inhibitor animal feed supplements described herein (including all embodiments and combinations of embodiments) can be used to optimize feed supplement administration, thereby reducing methane production and / or methane emissions by animals, reducing nitrogen excretion by animals, increasing the availability of nutrients to animals, and / or increasing valuable nitrogen- and carbon-rich animal products from animals.

[0139] In certain embodiments, the animal is a ruminant. Ruminants include animals selected from the ruminants and the Tylopoda suborder, and include domesticated ruminants such as cattle (e.g., dairy cows), goats, sheep, buffalo, yaks, deer, and antelopes.

[0140] In particular, the stepwise administration of the methane production inhibitor feed supplement or composition according to the present invention, when administered to ruminants, results in reduced methane production in the ruminants, which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere mainly through gas expulsion via the mouth and nasal cavity, resulting in an energy loss of 2-12% of the total energy intake from the feed.

[0141] Methane is a greenhouse gas with 28 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Enteric-coated methane is a byproduct of ruminant digestion and is produced by a complex community of microorganisms, including ciliates, bacteria, archaea, and anaerobic bacteria, through a process called methane production. Cattle produce about 7 times and 9 times more methane than sheep and goats, respectively. Enteric-coated methane is mainly produced in the rumen (first stomach) (87%-90%) and in relatively low amounts in the large intestine (13%-10%).

[0142] The stepwise administration of the methane production inhibitor feed supplement of the present invention diverts metabolic energy from methane production and directs it towards the anabolic growth process. Therefore, the composition or feed supplement results in an increase in the biological weight of ruminants, which is determined by: direct measurement of animal mass, computed tomography (CT) scan to measure empty body mass (total mass excluding intestinal material), carcass mass, and compositional analysis (distribution of lean muscle, fat, and major fat, and changes in organs including dryness).

[0143] Examples of valuable nitrogen- and carbon-rich animal products include tissue-based commodities such as meat, organs, and leather.

[0144] Other examples of valuable nitrogen- and carbon-rich animal products include commodities based on secretions and products of these commodities, such as milk, whole milk, milk powder, cream, ice cream, cheese, and yogurt.

[0145] Other examples of valuable nitrogen- and carbon-rich animal products include fiber-based commodities, such as wool, horns, and deer antlers.

[0146] The stepwise administration of the methane production inhibiting feed supplement of the present invention results in unexpected and remarkable improvements in metabolic efficiency, which is likely to lead to a reduction in excreted urinary nitrogen, which accumulates in urinary compartments on grasslands after urination. If the excess excreted nitrogen in the urinary compartments is greater than what is required for optimal grassland plant efficiency, the excess nitrogen is lost through nitrate (NO3-) leaching and volatilization of ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O), and nitrogen (N2). Nitrous oxide is particularly damaging to the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas, with a global warming capacity 298 times greater than that of carbon dioxide. The loss of nitrogen into groundwater can lead to uncontrolled growth of aquatic biota, thus damaging ecosystems and causing harmful algal blooms and eutrophication of water systems.

[0147] Step-by-step administration method The stepwise administration of the compositions or methane-producing inhibitor feed supplements described herein may be carried out by administering at least one dose of an effective amount of at least one methane-producing inhibitor, and optionally, at least one sequential dose of an effective amount of at least one methane-producing inhibitor after some effective time interval.

[0148] It is understood that sequential administration of methane production inhibitor feed supplements at time intervals constitutes a stepwise administration. Furthermore, the amount of each sequential dose, the time interval between doses, and the methane production inhibitor may be the same for each dose, the time interval between doses, and the methane production inhibitor, or they may be different doses and / or different time intervals and / or different methane production inhibitors.

[0149] The animal feed supplements or compositions described herein may be prepared by combining one or more organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae, one or more organic sulfur-rich plant compounds, and one or more polyphenyl-rich plants.

[0150] The compositions are mixed in appropriate amounts to obtain a composition having the desired amount of each component. Each component may be mixed with one or more other components in any order and combination to obtain the desired product. For example, each component may be combined by mixing or blending. For example, one or more organic halogen compounds, one or more organic sulfur compounds, and one or more polyphenol compounds may be combined with animal feed by placing them on top of the animal feed (top dressing).

[0151] Methane production inhibitor feed supplements may be prepared to aid in stepwise administration in forms including dry solid form, e.g., powder form, and may be subjected to further processing steps depending on the type of formulation for the intended final product. The method may further include a forming step of molding, pressing, spray-drying, or otherwise forming the mixture into a shape (e.g., rod, sphere, pellet, cluster, tablet) preferably in dimensions and / or texture suitable for consumption by the type of animal described herein. The method may include placing the animal feed or animal methane production inhibitor feed supplement into a special dispensing device such as a syringe. The method may include forming the composition or animal feed into a bolus tablet, which may be intended to remain in the stomach of an animal (e.g., the rumen of a ruminant).

[0152] Methane production inhibitor feed supplements may be administered in stages, for example, in doses selected from groups consisting of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, and 10%, based on the weight percentage of the ruminant animals.

[0153] The methane production inhibitor feed supplement may be administered in stages, for example, in doses selected from the group consisting of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, and 10%, based on the percentage of feed weight consumed by ruminants.

[0154] Stepwise administration of methane production inhibitor dietary supplements may have at least one time interval between sequential doses, selected from the group including, for example, 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months.

[0155] All uses and methods described in this disclosure are considered purely non-therapeutic.

[0156] The present invention will be described with reference only to the following non-limiting examples.

[0157] Example 1 - Inhibition of methane production by the methanogenic archaeon Methanococcus Maripaludis

[0158] (i) Bromoform and allicin The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether bromoform and allicin act synergistically on their ability to inhibit methane production by the methanogenic archaeon Methanococcus Maripaludis.

[0159] For this experiment, bromoform was prepared at a concentration of 100 mM by adding 8.75 μl of bromoform to 991 μl of DMSO. This was diluted 10-fold to prepare a 10 mM solution, and further diluted to prepare 0.12 mM and 0.156 mM storage solutions. Storage solutions for allicin were prepared by adding 48.6 μl of allicin to 951.4 μl of DMSO to prepare a 300 mM storage solution, and by adding 32.5 μl of allicin to 967.5 μl of DMSO to prepare a 200 mM storage solution. This experiment was prepared by adding 5 ml of M141 medium (https: / / www.dsmz.de / microorganisms / medium / pdf / DSMZ_Medium141.pdf) to a screw-cap hang-gate tube, and then adding 5 μl of allicin and / or 5 μl of bromoform or 10 μl of DMSO as follows: Tube 1: DMSO (10 μl) Tube 2: Bromoform (5 μl 0.120 mM) (120 nM final) + 5 μl DMSO Tube 3: Bromoform (5 μl 0.156 mM) (156 nM final) + 5 μl DMSO Tube 4: Allicin (5 μl 200 mM) (200 μM final) + 5 μl DMSO Tube 5: Allicin (5 μl 300 mM) (300 μM final) + 5 μl DMSO Tube 6: Bromoform (5 μl 0.120 mM) (final 120 nM) + Allicin (5 μl 200 mM) (final 200 μM) Tube 7: Bromoform (5 μl 0.120 mM) (final 120 nM) + Allicin (5 μl 300 mM) (final 300 μM) Tube 8: Bromoform (5 μl 0.156 mM) (final concentration 156 nM) + Allicin (5 μl 200 mM) (final concentration 200 μM) Tube 9: Bromoform (5 μl 0.156 mM) (final concentration 156 nM) + Allicin (5 μl 300 mM) (final concentration 300 μM)

[0160] After adding the test substance, 500 μl of M. maripaludis overnight culture medium was added to each reaction tube. Each tube was gas-injected to 240 kPa with 80% H2 / 20% CO2 and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours.

[0161] After 24 hours of incubation, the pressure inside the tube was measured using a manometer. Assuming that 5 moles of H2 / CO2 were consumed to produce 1 mole of CH4, the amount of methane produced by the control and experimental reactions was calculated using the observed pressure drop, and the inhibition rate was then calculated from there.

[0162] (ii) Powder containing bromoform, organic sulfur, and polyphenols (NXRH214 powder) The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether bromoform and powders containing organosulfur and polyphenols act synergistically in their ability to inhibit methane production by the methanogenic archaeon Methanococcus Maripaludis.

[0163] For this experiment, bromoform was prepared at 100 mM by adding 8.75 μl of bromoform to 991 μl of DMSO. This was diluted 10-fold to prepare a 10 mM solution, and further diluted to prepare 0.10 mM and 0.156 mM preservation solutions. The sample was prepared by adding 245 mg of NXRH214 powder to 35 ml of M141 medium (https: / / www.dsmz.de / microorganisms / medium / pdf / DSMZ_Medium141.pdf) to prepare a 7 mg / ml preservation solution. NXRH214 powder is a 93:7 ratio mixture of garlic powder (allicin) and citrus extract (polyphenol flavonoid mixture), and this flavonoid mixture mainly contains naringin and neohesperidin.

[0164] The reaction tubes were prepared as follows: Tube 1: 0 ml NXRH214 (without NXRH214) + 5 ml M141 + 5 μl DMSO Tube 2: 1 ml of NXRH214 (1.4 μg / ml NXRH214) + 5 ml of M141 + 5 μl of DMSO Tube 3: 1.5 ml of NXRH214 (2.8 μg / ml NXRH214) + 3.5 ml of M141 + 5 μl of DMSO Tube 4: 0 ml NXRH214 (without NXRH214) + 5 ml M141 + 5 μl 0.1 mM bromoform (100 nM bromoform) Tube 5: 1 ml of NXRH214 (1.4 μg / ml NXRH214) + 5 ml of M141 + 5 μl of 0.1 mM bromoform (100 nM bromoform) Tube 6: 1.5 ml of NXRH214 (2.8 μg / ml NXRH214) + 3.5 ml of M141 + 5 μl of 0.1 mM bromoform (100 nM bromoform) Tube 7: 0 ml NXRH214 (without NXRH214) + 5 ml M141 + 5 μl 0.156 mM bromoform (156 nM bromoform) Tube 8: 1 ml of NXRH214 (1.4 μg / ml NXRH214) + 5 ml of M141 + 5 μl of 0.156 mM bromoform (156 nM bromoform) Tube 9: 1.5 ml of NXRH214 (2.8 μg / ml NXRH214) + 3.5 ml of M141 + 5 μl of 0.156 mM bromoform (156 nM bromoform)

[0165] After adding the test substance, 500 μl of M. maripaludis overnight culture medium was added to each reaction tube. Each tube was gas-injected to 240 kPa with 80% H2 / 20% CO2 and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours.

[0166] After 24 hours of incubation, the pressure inside the tube was measured using a manometer. Assuming that 5 moles of H2 / CO2 were consumed to produce 1 mole of CH4, the amount of methane produced by the control and experimental reactions was calculated using the observed pressure drop, and the inhibition rate was then calculated from there.

[0167] Experimental results The experimental results for (i) bromoform and allicin, and (ii) a powder containing bromoform, organic sulfur, and polyphenols (i.e., NXRH214 powder) are shown in Figures 1 and 2, and in Tables 1 and 2 below, respectively.

[0168] [Table 1]

[0169] These results demonstrate a clear synergistic effect of the composition containing bromoform and allicin, which clearly exceeds the gas inhibition percentage shown by each component alone.

[0170] [Table 2]

[0171] These results also demonstrate a clear synergistic effect of compositions containing bromoform and a powder containing organic sulfur and polyphenols (i.e., NXRH214 powder), which clearly exceeds the gas inhibition percentage shown by each component in the presence of DMSO. NXRH214 powder contains allicin and polyphenol compounds, and more particularly, the bioflavonoid compounds naringin and neohesperidin. Therefore, methane production can be effectively inhibited using compositions containing bromoform, organic sulfur compounds, and polyphenols.

[0172] conclusion The data above clearly demonstrates a high percentage of inhibition of methane production when an organic halogen (i.e., bromoform) is combined with an organic sulfur (i.e., allicin) alone, or when an organic halogen (i.e., bromoform) is combined with an organic sulfur (i.e., allicin) and a polyphenol (i.e., a bioflavonoid derived from citrus extract).

[0173] Example 2 The feed supplement Mootral®, developed and marketed by Mootral® SA (Switzerland), and preparations of the marine megaalgae Asparagopsis armata were administered to sheep in various proportions in a stepwise manner to their whole pasture diet at varying doses and time intervals. Measurements were taken of excreted methane, blood, body, and excrement, and compared with control animals that did not receive the supplement.

[0174] This disclosure may also be described by the following paragraphs.

[0175] A. A method for reducing nitrogen excretion and / or methane emissions and / or increasing nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich substances in ruminants, comprising the step of administering an effective amount of at least one type of methane-producing inhibitor to the ruminants.

[0176] B. The method according to paragraph A, wherein the methane production inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of organic halogen compounds, organic halogen-rich marine macroalgae, organic sulfur compounds, organic sulfur-rich plants, phenol compounds, and phenol-rich plants.

[0177] C. The method described in paragraph B, wherein the organohalogen compound is: A method selected from the group including CH3Cl, CH3Br, CH3I, CH2Cl2, CH2Br2, CH2I2, CHCl3, CHBr3, CHI3, CCl4, CBr4, CH2ClBr, CH2ClI, CH2BrI, CHBr2Cl, CHBrI2, CHBrClI, CHBr2I, CHBrCl2, CH3CH2Br, CH3CH2I, CH3CH2CH2I, CH3(CH2)3I, CH3(CH2)4Br, CH3(CH2)4I, (CH3)2CHI, CH3CH2CH(CH3)I, (CH3)2CHCH2I, BrCH2CH2Br, ClCH=CCl2, and CH3CH2CH2CH2I.

[0178] D. The method described in paragraph B, wherein the large seaweed rich in organic halogens, A method selected from the group including Asparagopsis armata, Asparagopsis taxiformis, species of the genus Dictyota, species of the genus Oedogonium, species of the genus Ulva, and Cladophora patentiramea.

[0179] E. The aforementioned organic sulfur compound is an organic sulfur secondary metabolite, allicin (C6H 10 S2O), diallyl sulfide (C6H 10 S), diallyl disulfide (C6H 10The method described in paragraph B, selected from the group including S2 and allyl mercaptan (C3H6S).

[0180] F. A method according to paragraph B, wherein the organic sulfur-rich plant is a species of the genus Allium selected from the group including Allium sativum, Allium ampeloprasum, and Allium cepa.

[0181] G. The method described in paragraph B, wherein the polyphenol compound is Selected from the group including flavonoids, bioflavonoids, and non-bioflavonoids, at least one of the polyphenol compounds is, for example, bioflavonoids, anthraxanthin, flavone, flavonol, flavonone, flavanonol, flavan, anthocyanidin, isoflavan, neoflavan, anthoxanthin, isoflavone, proanthocyanidin, phenolic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, coumarin, stilbenoid, anthraquinone, lignan, lignin, tannin, polyphenol protein, catechin, rutin, acacetin, genistein, kaempferol, gallocatechin, gall Acid catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, quercetin, allocatechin, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, kaempferol, quercetin, naringin, neohesperidin, eriocitrin, isonaringin, naringenin, hesperidin, leuforin, diosmin, dzimin, hesperetin, poncillin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, punicalagin, punicalin, including at least one of the following: method.

[0182] A method according to paragraph B of H, wherein the polyphenol-rich plant is selected from the group including species of the genus Allium, Brassica, Camellia, Capsicum, Citrus, Citrus aurantium, Cucumis, Malus, Banana, Bean, Prunus, Prunus, Pear, Solanum, and Vaccinium.

[0183] I. A method for reducing nitrogen excretion and / or methane excretion and / or increasing nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich substances in ruminants, comprising administering to the ruminants in a stepwise manner an effective amount of at least one type of methane-producing inhibitor.

[0184] A method according to paragraph I of J, wherein the stepwise administration comprises at least one dose of a methane-producing inhibitor selected from the group comprising 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, and 10% by weight percentage of the ruminant animal.

[0185] K. A method according to paragraph I, wherein the stepwise administration comprises at least one dose of a methane-producing inhibitor selected from the group comprising 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.5%, 0.075%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, and 10% in proportion to the weight of the ruminant animal's feed.

[0186] A method according to one of paragraphs I to K, wherein the stepwise administration has at least one time interval between sequential doses, selected from the group comprising 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. This disclosure includes the following embodiments of the invention: <Aspect 1> A composition for reducing methane emissions, comprising an organic halogen compound and an organic sulfur compound. <Aspect 2> The composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the organic halogen compound is an organic bromine compound. <Aspect 3> The composition according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the organic halogen is bromoform. <Aspect 4> The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the organic sulfur compound is derived from a species of the genus Allium. <Aspect 5> The aforementioned organic sulfur compound is allicin (C 6 H 10 S 2 O), diallyl sulfide (C 6 H 10 S), diallyl disulfide (C 6 H 10 S 2 ), and allyl mercaptan (C 3 H 6 The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, which is S). <Aspect 6> The aforementioned organic sulfur compound is allicin (C 6 H 10 S 2 The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, which is O). <Aspect 7> The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the ratio of organic halogen to organic sulfur is 1:10 to 1:3500. <Aspect 8> The composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the ratio of organic halogen to organic sulfur is 1:1000 to 1:2500. <Pattern 9> A composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, further comprising at least one polyphenol compound. <Aspect 10> The composition according to embodiment 9, wherein the at least one polyphenol compound comprises at least one bioflavonoid. <Aspect 11> The composition according to embodiment 9, wherein the at least one polyphenol compound comprises naringin, neohesperidin, or a combination thereof. <Aspect 12> A composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11 for inhibiting one or more methane sources. <Aspect 13> A composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12 for improving the metabolic efficiency of animals. <Aspect 14> Animal feed comprising the composition described in any one of embodiments 1 to 13. <Aspect 15> Use of the composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13 or the animal feed according to embodiment 14 for reducing methane emissions and / or inhibiting one or more methane sources and / or improving the metabolic efficiency of animals. <Aspect 16> A method for reducing methane emissions, comprising administering to an animal a composition described in any one of embodiments 1 to 13 or an animal feed described in embodiment 14. <Aspect 17> A method for inhibiting one or more methane sources, comprising administering to an animal a composition described in any one of embodiments 1 to 13 or an animal feed described in embodiment 14. <Aspect 18> A method for improving the metabolic efficiency of an animal, comprising administering to the animal a composition described in any one of embodiments 1 to 13 or an animal feed described in embodiment 14. <Aspect 19> The method according to any one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the animal is a ruminant, preferably a cattle, a goat, or a sheep.

Claims

1. A composition for reducing methane emissions, comprising an organic halogen compound and an organic sulfur compound, wherein the organic halogen compound is bromoform, the organic sulfur compound is allicin (C6H10S2O), and the ratio of the organic halogen to the organic sulfur is 1:10 to 1:3500. composition.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the organic sulfur compound is derived from a species of the genus Allium.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of organic halogen to organic sulfur is 1:1000 to 1:2500.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one polyphenol compound.

5. The composition according to claim 4, wherein the at least one polyphenol compound comprises at least one bioflavonoid.

6. The composition according to claim 4, wherein the at least one polyphenol compound comprises naringin, neohesperidin, or a combination thereof.

7. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for inhibiting one or more methane sources.

8. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for improving the metabolic efficiency of animals.

9. Animal feed comprising the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the animal feed according to claim 9 for reducing methane emissions and / or inhibiting one or more methane sources and / or improving the metabolic efficiency of animals.

11. A method for reducing methane emissions, comprising administering to an animal the composition described in any one of claims 1 to 8 or the animal feed described in claim 9.

12. A method for inhibiting one or more methane sources, comprising administering to an animal the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the animal feed according to claim 9.

13. A method for improving the metabolic efficiency of an animal, comprising administering to an animal the composition described in any one of claims 1 to 8 or the animal feed described in claim 9.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the animal is a ruminant, and the ruminant is a cattle, a goat, or a sheep.

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